What your landlord should do

What your landlord should do

The law sets down certain things that a landlord must do.  Some responsibilities will be in the contract you sign but not all of what the landlord has to do will be written down in detail.   The landlord may claim that they do not have to do certain things e.g. fix the washing machine so always get advice if you are unsure about what the landlord should or should not be doing.  This information is a general guide as to what you can expect. 

Before you move in

  • You should not be asked to pay any money until you have signed the contract
  • You should be given a copy of the contract to take away for 24 hours before signing
  • You should be told what the weekly rent is and whether you have to pay utility bills
  • Everything agreed such as repairs/changes should be written into the contract with completion dates
  • You should be shown a copy of the gas service record showing that any gas appliances (e.g. cooker/heating) has been checked within the last 12 months
  • You should be shown a copy of the HMO license if you are renting a property that has 3 or more floors with 5 or more people

Read about licensing for large HMOs

Don’t feel you have to sign a contract there and then, if the landlord puts pressure on you or says you will lose the property if you don’t sign straight away, find another landlord to rent from.  All good landlords will want you to take the contract away to get advice before signing.

There is a lot of competition in Leeds because there are so many properties still available to rent.  Some landlords will make promises to get you to rent a property.  Everything must be in writing or you have no proof what was agreed.  If the landlord will not add the promises to the contract, why?  It normally means that they are not sure if they really want to do what they promise and if it is not written down they can get away with it.

Picking up the keys - first few days

  • You should receive the keys and be able to move in the date your contract starts
  • Each tenant should receive one set of keys
  • The property should be clean and free of rubbish
  • The property should have all the furniture agreed with the landlord
  • Any work agreed with the landlord should have been completed (unless a later completion date had been agreed)
  • The essential services such as gas/electricity/heating should all be connected and working
  • If there are any problems the landlord should respond politely and quickly in resolving them.
  • Provide everything that was agreed in the contract e.g. broadband/ new furniture
  • Provide information on how to work the heating and the burglar alarm code
  • Provide information on any code of standards or accreditation scheme they have signed up to.

 

During your tenancy

  • Within two weeks of paying your deposit your landlord should inform you which Tenancy Deposit Scheme they have used to protect your deposit. We recomend you contact the relevent scheme and check the Landlord has protected your deposit with them.
  • Deal with any disrepair promptly - once you have informed them.  Essential works should be completed within 5 days.  Ideally you should inform them in writing.
  • Give you 24 hours notice if they or workmen intend to visit
  • Ensure that essential services such as gas, water, electricity and heating remain in working order
  • Towards the end of your tenancy provide you with a moving out checklist to help guide you in cleaning and leaving the property in a good condition
Page Created: 18th Apr, 2008
Last Updated: 11:21am on 18th Apr, 2008 by Anne-Marie Canning